If you’re looking for a way to improve your health, cycling might be just what the doctor ordered. Not only does this method help with calorie burning and weight loss, but it’ll also increase heart fitness! In today’s blog post we’re going over all of these benefits, so read on if you want some tips on how to start your way to better health.
Is cycling better than walking or running?
The debate between running and cycling has been around for a while, with both sides having their pros. However, when it comes to burning fat, there is no competition because a 155-pound person burns about 423 calories in 30 minutes of moderate-paced bike riding versus only 298 from an equal amount of time spent on foot! Therefore, if your goal is to lose weight, cycling is a wonderful option.
Cycling is a two-for-one deal: lose weight and gain muscle. The best way to build muscle is by cycling with higher resistance. You can target specific muscles and increase your mass this way!
If you want to improve your health and lose weight, consider taking up cycling. This is a low-impact activity, which means it’s gentle on your joints and muscles. This is in contrast to activities like running, which can be tough on your body. Cycling is a fabulous workout for anyone, no matter their level of fitness or age. However, you should always consult with your doctor before starting any new exercise regimen.
What muscles are most involved in cycling?
The quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes are the primary muscles engaged in cycling. These are the large muscles in your legs that allow you to pedal the bike. Your core muscles (abs and back) also play a role in keeping you stable on the bike. In other words, biking is an excellent way to shape your legs and center them.
In addition, cycling is also great for your cardiovascular health. This activity helps to increase your heart rate and breathing, which are both essential for a healthy heart. In fact, cycling has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease by up to 50%!
How long should you cycle to keep fit?
This is a difficult question to answer as it depends on various factors such as age, weight, workout intensity, etc. Nevertheless, the Department of Health and Human Services recommends that, for moderate-intensity cardio, adults should engage in 150 minutes/week. This amounts to about 30 minutes, five times a week.
Cycling is a great way to lose weight and increase muscle mass. You may need more time or intensity if your goal involves losing fat while gaining lean protein in the process, but 30 minutes of steady-state biking each day will get you started on track for success.
How to get started with cycling: tips for beginners
If you’re new to cycling, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
- Find a comfortable seat. You want to make sure you’re comfortable on the bike, otherwise, you won’t want to ride it. Therefore, take some time to adjust the seat height and handlebar position until you find a comfortable position.
- Start slow. Starting slowly and gradually increasing your intensity levels is a great way to avoid injuries, as well as muscular soreness.
- Wear comfortable clothing. You don’t need special cycling clothes to ride a bike. However, you want to make sure you’re wearing comfortable clothing that won’t restrict your movement.
- Try a few different routes. Once you get more comfortable with cycling, try out some different routes. You’ll be able to stay more motivated and avoid boredom.
- Pay attention to traffic. When cycling, keep an eye on traffic and follow all of the rules of the road. This will keep you safe while cycling.
Do you enjoy this activity? Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just getting started, we want to hear from you. Leave us a comment below and tell us about your favorite cycling routes, tips for beginners, or anything else related to it. We can’t wait to hear what you have to say!